In an interview with Malaysiakini, he said the act of labelling other Muslims as infidels was often political and goes against the basic concept of moderation. Most recently, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, in stressing his party’s rejection of working with Pakatan Harapan for the coming 15th general election, claimed many among them are “non-believers and have no morals”.

Anwar pointed to local Muslim NGOs, particularly the Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim) that he led as its second president from 1974 to 1982, and to this day maintains involvement in its various activities.  “Why I chose to be associated with them is because they gave this more moderate, but also knowledgeable views.

“The number of serious works published by them, based on classical texts by renowned scholars, is quite remarkable,” said the Harapan chairperson. “Islamic parties (now), it’s more to what their ‘guru’ says.

“That’s why when we talk about the issue of ‘kafir mengkafir’ (calling each other infidels) which was unfortunately repeated, I reject it in its entirety,” said Anwar who also alluded to Hadi’s 1981 speech where he declared that whoever supported Umno were infidels.

Koel : For too long, Malaysians have been bullied, browbeaten and cowed by the unread and the illiterate. The silence of those with education and power to speak has been the greatest disappointment. Their silence has sometimes been responsible for brutishness and ignorance flourishing in Malaysia.

Take the term, liberalism. Liberalism is an idea defined in sociology, philosophy, etc. It is time to clearly define terms by reference to established bases of study. Failing to fact check and address immediately the nonsense spouted by inane idiots in politics has sometimes led to repression, intolerance, prejudice and discrimination being seen as virtues in Malaysia.

So in that context, it is good to see attempts to examine the meaning and definition of terms like liberalism which has been bandied about by bullies with power. Words are just words. It is a reflection of abysmal ignorance to show fear about a word.

But interpretations matter. Actions matter. What are the bases of interpretation and what are the actions that follow those interpretations? That matters. Problem arises when the most ignorant is allowed to shout the loudest.